In a continual effort to improve safety for citizens, a Safe Exchange Zone has been established at the Benton Police Department. The quality-of-life based service will allow residents and commuters a safe area to purchase or exchange legal items through website based transactions. The Safe Exchange is located on South St. E. on the Police Department property and is under 24-hour video surveillance.
“We are creating a safe atmosphere for people meet up for legal internet sales transactions,” Police Chief Kirk Lane said. “A person who has the intention to commit a crime under the false pretense of meeting to exchange a sale item will least likely want to meet at a police department. Therefore, this Safe Exchange Location should serve as a deterrent for criminals.”
The Safe Exchange Location can also be used as a safe place for child custody arrangements.
“We’ve had requests from citizens to establish the Safe Exchange Location,” Lane said.
“I think the most important thing is that it’s an ideal safe location between the camera surveillance and the constant presence of officers in and out of the building 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.”
To report suspicious activity, a crime or to receive information about this monthly initiative, call the Benton Police Department at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. Individuals also may send us anonymous information to CRIMES (274637) with the keyword BNPD in the body of the text or go to www.crimereports.com to leave a tip. A crime tip can also be submitted via the official Benton Police Department app found on ITunes and Google Play.
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